The twenty fourth edition of the monthly Art Walk in Ste Genevieve, Missouri, is slated to commence at 6 PM on Friday, June 26 in the downtown's charming historic, colonial district.  The backdrop of the colonial French creole houses and the later early American houses is perfect for the one dozen art spaces which invite visitors each month.  Refreshments are found at many of these art openings, and a walking map is available at the locations or online.
 
     The highlights this month include a successful holdover exhibit from last month, explicit modern symbolist art, two openings by oil painters and an art closeout sale.
 
     The Ladies Who Paint Plus One show is extended through June 30 at 188 North Main Street with new work being added to replace those which sold during the last four weeks.  This is an exhibit of James Wilson of Mineral Area College and his Senior Scholars group which studies with him.  The exhibit was a great success during last month's Art Walk.
 
     Steve Easterwood, an artist from Dexter Missouri will open his exhibit of oil paintings at the Bolduc House Gallery.  Easterwood won honors at last year's Ste Genevieve Plein Air Event.
 
     The Hayloft Gallery at Big Field Cafe is presenting a memorial exhibit featuring the works of deceased artist, Dorothy "Dot" Uding (1932-2009).  The exhibit contains over 65 of Uding's paintings of landscapes from around the country gathered together from private collections.  Prints will be made available upon request and all proceeds benefit CURE PSP, a rare neurological disease.  Also, Hayloft Gallery has a permanent exhibit of worked wood pieces by Captain Bob Uding.
 
     The Joseph Sister’s Shop presents Marc Manley as this month’s artist.  According to the artist's statement, "In the beginning was darkness and yet the darkness was not evil.  It was only after the light was created that we were told to fear the dark..."  In some of Manley's works, he explores the world he sees through adult symbolism, sometimes sexual.  As such, caution is extended to viewers who might not be comfortable viewing these. Manley’s works for this show are in masking tape, newspaper, cloth, latex paint, and even texture spray and restricted to the colors of red, blue, yellow, black and white.
 
     Studio de Michel will have a closeout sale with 25% off pricing on all art works in stock.  This is anticipation of the Studio closing at it's current location after two years in the old Otte Cleaners building.  News on future plans regarding re-opening Studio de Michel in a new downtown location in the near future, will be announced.
 
     Station 2 Café will present the art of Diane Wilson one night only.
 
     Other art studios and galleries reported to being open during the Art Walk from 6 to 9 PM are Studio 221, Lulu's Studio, Only Child Originals, Center for the Arts, Merchant Street Gallery, Galleria Ste Gen, the visitor's Welcome Center, Art at Sainte Genevieve Winery and Mo's Art Gallery.  All of these are located within a small three by three block area downtown.
 
     Other charming shops and cafes are also open during the monthly Art Walk.  Visit http://stegenartwalk.blogspot.com for updated information and walking maps.
 
     Look for Ste Genevieve Art Walk's second birthday party celebration in July!